Longevity through Upgrading Buildings

Chapter 738: Chapter 314: Reunion with an Old Friend

Just as he was about to pay for the wine and sneak away, he caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye and suddenly noticed a young man hurrying away with a heavy expression.

This aura... why does it seem somewhat familiar?

Ji Yuan briefly scanned with his divine sense but found nothing unusual.

He then focused, letting his mid-stage Core Formation divine sense cover the area, and instantly saw through the disguise of this person.

At first glance, Ji Yuan was actually quite delighted.

Because this panicked person was none other than his old friend.

A very fateful old friend.

The demon cultivator — Hu Li!

The first time Ji Yuan met him was while purchasing immortal materials.

The second encounter was at the Ancient Battlefield Ruins.

Now, this was the third time.

Seeing his anxious and panicked appearance, Ji Yuan could guess the reason.

Why?

It was naturally because he had heard Ji Yuan’s old friend’s name.

Whether it was the first meeting or the second, Ji Yuan had used the name Qiu Qianhai.

And now... it was the same.

But why had he run to the territory of the Joy Palace again?

Encountering him repeatedly, Ji Yuan felt they were truly fated, and considering how much time had passed since previous events, there wasn’t any strong urge to kill him anymore.

Thinking of this, Ji Yuan decided to follow and watch.

Anyway, he was free these days.

He placed a divine sense mark on Hu Li and followed casually.

Eventually, Hu Li wound his way to a courtyard in the city.

It seemed this was his foothold in Peony City.

Ji Yuan sat at a teahouse opposite his house, setting up an array outside the courtyard.

But what did that matter?

Unnoticed by anyone, Ji Yuan activated the PWoang Divine Eyes to inspect the array’s flaws, then invaded it with his divine sense.

At the first glance inside the courtyard, Ji Yuan was slightly astonished.

Because many materials were placed in the courtyard, including Evil Yellow Powder, Earth Tomb Water, Heavenly Spring Liquid, Black Demon Flower...

Not precious, but rare.

Seeing all these materials together, Ji Yuan noticed a clue.

These immortal materials seemed related to nurturing spiritual insects.

For example, when Ji Yuan was at the Water Dragon Sect previously, he had bought this Black Demon Flower on All Things Island to breed Spirit-Devouring Bees.

The Evil Yellow Powder was used for cultivating a spiritual insect known as the "Marching Ant."

The Earth Tomb Water was an excellent spirit for feeding "Corpse Bugs."

’Could it be that Hu Li has taken the path of insect cultivation? Wasn’t he previously an array cultivator? Though the Thirty-Six Thick Smoke Array was lame, it was still quite effective against cultivators unfamiliar with arrays.’

Meanwhile, Hu Li was inside the courtyard, restless.

Ji Yuan could even see his forehead covered in a cold sweat.

He was surveying the surrounding materials, seemingly hesitating whether to escape.

After all, Ji Yuan had witnessed his skill in escaping.

This time, it was fortunate to encounter him; he surely couldn’t let him escape again, could he?

Thus, Ji Yuan used telepathy, and the voice that sounded like a nightmare to Hu Li instantly echoed in his mind.

The voice said:

"I still need some Foundation Establishment materials. I wonder if you have any, Daoist Hu?"

"If not, I may have to trouble Daoist Hu himself to act as the material."

Upon hearing this voice, Hu Li shivered involuntarily.

His first reaction was to take out a Talisman Treasure from his storage bag.

But before he could infuse it with spiritual energy,

He saw a figure appear before him.

He blinked, and the figure vanished, along with the Talisman Treasure in his hand.

"This gift is nice; I guess I’ll reluctantly accept it."

The voice coming from behind made Hu Li’s knees buckle, and he fell to his knees.

After storing away the Talisman Treasure and Sky Shuttle, Ji Yuan turned back to look at the "old friend" who seemed to have given up resistance.

"Why didn’t you run?"

Ji Yuan asked with a half-smile.

"I won’t run, never again."

Hu Li said woefully: "Senior, I bear no grudge against you, why do you torment me so?"

"I’m also curious why you keep following me."

Ji Yuan glanced around with a smile, "Alright, if I really wanted to kill you, do you think you’d still be alive?"

"You may stand up."

Hearing this, Hu Li quickly touched his face as if wiping away nonexistent tears, "Thank you, thank you."

He stood up and stood behind Ji Yuan, smiling obsequiously.

"Weren’t you an array cultivator before? Why are you now interested in insect cultivation?"

Ji Yuan inquired casually, gazing at the surrounding immortal materials.

Hu Li didn’t dare to hide anything and swiftly answered: "Reporting to Senior, these are not mine."

"I recently joined a demon insect cultivator from Shangxi. He asked me to collect these things."

"Oh? An insect cultivator from Shangxi?"

Ji Yuan was intrigued.

"Precisely, his name is Hundred Insects Old Immortal, commanding many rare insects. Although his cultivation is only at early-stage Core Formation, he is renowned in Shangxi. It’s said that he can directly confront mid-stage Core Formation demon cultivators, and even some late-stage ones are willing to give him face."

Hu Li explained in detail.

"So his strength is quite formidable."

Ji Yuan became a bit more cautious.

Hu Li continued, "Precisely, I’ve followed him for several years and observed a clue."

"Oh? Tell me."

"He seems to have a heritage allowing him to cultivate and improve rare insects worldwide. His famous insect is the Marching Ant, which he improved into a Scorching Fire Marching Ant, with immense power."

... Improve insects worldwide?

Such bold claims!

Ji Yuan’s interest was piqued.

If he could obtain it, even if he couldn’t improve his Spirit-Devouring Bees, just finding a way to produce a Tier Three Bee King would be worthwhile!

"So, following him, are you after this heritage?"

Ji Yuan squinted and smiled at the charming demon cultivator in front.